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~ Board of Directors ~
Nicci Kincer - President
president@metroeastprideswi.org
president@metroeastprideswi.org
I was born and raised in Granite City, IL and graduated from Granite City Senior High School in 1992. I came out at 14 and was one of the first members of Growing American Youth, (when it was still meeting in the basement of MCC in St. Louis). I have always loved the LGBT+ community. Like many other gay youth, the men and women of the community became my family in a time when my blood family couldn't be there for me. Now I have the opportunity and privilege to give back to my community. I look forward to working on community building projects that MEPSI has coming in the future.
Jameson-Micheal Hand - Vice President
vp@metroeastprideswi.org
Originally raised in Illinois, a town called Brighton. Born in May of 1993. Proud Transgender Man. Jameson-Micheal Hand.
Some of my life’s accomplishments include being a High School graduate of Southwestern IL; being a Culinary Arts Honor graduate from Le Cordon Bleu of St. Louis; MEPSI King of Pride for 2016; St. Louis King of Pride 2017, as well as being Happily Married to the most wonderful woman.
Coming from a small town, I realized how important it is to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA Community. From a graduating class of only 125 people, I was considered an outcast, freak, dirty, and many other horrible things because I was out at the age of 13. A lot of people were bullies to me, verbally and mentally. As soon as I was graduated in 2011, I ventured into St. Louis. Long story short, I became a drag king. You're looking at SIR LIXALOT! Drag has opened a lot of doors for me to adventure through and experience things I never thought were possible. Perfect example, would me being part of a wonderful organization called Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI).
I’m your Vice President for MEPSI. I believe that it is important to come together as a community to grow, educate and be strong together. If it’s one thing that I’ve learned in these couple decades, it’s that We can be One together and there is always strength in numbers. I am with MEPSI to make a difference in the small towns that have closed minds; to reach out to the Youth in need; to educate those who need to be educated; to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves or are being held back from it. I want to be here for my community because my community is here for me.
Some of my life’s accomplishments include being a High School graduate of Southwestern IL; being a Culinary Arts Honor graduate from Le Cordon Bleu of St. Louis; MEPSI King of Pride for 2016; St. Louis King of Pride 2017, as well as being Happily Married to the most wonderful woman.
Coming from a small town, I realized how important it is to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA Community. From a graduating class of only 125 people, I was considered an outcast, freak, dirty, and many other horrible things because I was out at the age of 13. A lot of people were bullies to me, verbally and mentally. As soon as I was graduated in 2011, I ventured into St. Louis. Long story short, I became a drag king. You're looking at SIR LIXALOT! Drag has opened a lot of doors for me to adventure through and experience things I never thought were possible. Perfect example, would me being part of a wonderful organization called Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI).
I’m your Vice President for MEPSI. I believe that it is important to come together as a community to grow, educate and be strong together. If it’s one thing that I’ve learned in these couple decades, it’s that We can be One together and there is always strength in numbers. I am with MEPSI to make a difference in the small towns that have closed minds; to reach out to the Youth in need; to educate those who need to be educated; to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves or are being held back from it. I want to be here for my community because my community is here for me.
Randy Elser - Secretary
secretary@metroeastprideswi.org
Originally from Belleville, I reside in Freeburg. I'm a graduate of Saint Louis University where I earned my BSBA in Finance and an MBA. I own Elser Interactive, a small business specializing in online promotions and marketing services. I've been in business since 2004. Prior to that, I worked for American Redemption Systems and CheckMark Communications/Nestlé Purina PetCare Company where I held various marketing, finance and management positions.
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society.
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society.
Kristen Broyles - Treasurer
treasurer@metroeastprideswi.org
Bio Coming Soon....
John Johnson aka Ravyn Winters - Entertainment Director/Drag Liaison
john@metroeastprideswi.org
Hi. My name is John Johnson. You may also know me as Ravyn Winters. I was born in St. Louis, Mo. and raised in Cahokia, IL until I was fifteen. In 1999, after a devastating house fire, my family and I moved to Belleville, IL where I have lived ever since.
In 2003, I graduated from Belleville West High School. From there, I went on to graduate from Midwest Institute of Massage Therapy. In August of 2005, I debuted my drag persona at the Grey Fox Pub in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, I have gone on to capture the titles of Miss Gay Western Illinois 2010, the first alternate to Miss Gay Heart of Missouri America 2012 and most recently, I was crowned Queen of Metro East Pride 2017.
Over the years, I have worked with many different charities and organizations to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness.
Now, it is my absolute honor to be a Board Member for Metro East Pride.
In 2003, I graduated from Belleville West High School. From there, I went on to graduate from Midwest Institute of Massage Therapy. In August of 2005, I debuted my drag persona at the Grey Fox Pub in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, I have gone on to capture the titles of Miss Gay Western Illinois 2010, the first alternate to Miss Gay Heart of Missouri America 2012 and most recently, I was crowned Queen of Metro East Pride 2017.
Over the years, I have worked with many different charities and organizations to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness.
Now, it is my absolute honor to be a Board Member for Metro East Pride.
Kim Cook - Pride Entertainment Director/Ally Liaison
kim@metroeastprideswi.org
Hi! I'm Kim...as a lifelong Belleville resident, I'm honored to serve on the Metro East Pride board as an LGBTQ+ Ally. I have been a hairstylist for 30+ years and I also work as a buyer's agent for The Beth Ortega Group of RE/MAX Preferred. I enjoy working with people and being part of Metro East Pride allows me to do that for the LGBTQ+ community. Having grown up with close and wonderful friends within the LGBTQ+ community, my hope is that I can help bridge the gab between 'straight' and 'gay' people. I will strive to help make this happen by being an active volunteer and member of the Metro East Pride board. It's easy to remember me - I'm the Straight Not Narrow ally!
Tamara Vowell - Community Liaison
tamara@metroeastprideswi.org
I’m Tamara, an out and proud mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. I am a community and political activist who calls Belleville home. By joining MEPSI, my goal is to help the board grow in our community outreach endeavors. I want to give back to the LGBTQIA+ community that I have been a part of for the past 32 years. The world has changed so much since I came out in the 80’s. I will be the voice to make sure the organizations efforts are not just focused on our young community. I will be a voice for all to make sure they are included and feel supported and welcomed.
My top priority for my tenure, includes reaching senior members of our community who might be alone. Ideally, having the younger generation and older community members mingle together, we can welcome each other. This will help foster feelings of support, inclusion and acceptance. I have been so fortunate to be able to give back and paying it forward is the right thing to do.
My top priority for my tenure, includes reaching senior members of our community who might be alone. Ideally, having the younger generation and older community members mingle together, we can welcome each other. This will help foster feelings of support, inclusion and acceptance. I have been so fortunate to be able to give back and paying it forward is the right thing to do.
Carmelita DeLeon - Community Liaison
carmi@metroeastprideswi.org
carmi@metroeastprideswi.org
As a cross-genre photographer, I began my career as a Collegiate Sports Photographer in the early 90's where I fell in love with the camera and its ability to capture the beauty of the human spirit. Over the years, I have expanded my interests to include family and animal portraits, nature, engagements, weddings, reunions, head shots and dance photos, and commercial photography including the feature of my work on a historical shoot of power equipment for Cadet Connection Magazine. My philanthropic endeavors include serving as an official photographer for the MS150 Bike Tour, A Photographer for an online LGBT Magazine - BOOM Magazine - out of St. Louis, MO, and currently work as a Freelance Photographer photographing whenever and wherever possible.
I was born in Effingham, IL and currently reside in Belleville, IL.
I was born in Effingham, IL and currently reside in Belleville, IL.
Jesse White - Community Liaison
jesse@metroeastprideswi.org
jesse@metroeastprideswi.org
Hello Everyone! I'm Jesse White. Born in California and raised a military brat. I'm the middle child of 3 girls and have an awesome half sister. Being raised everywhere it's hard to call anywhere "home" but Belleville is the closest thing I have, for I have been here for 16 years. I came out in high school and couldn't be more honored to have an accepting family/support system. I am a USAF Veteran and served during the reign of "Don't Ask Don't Tell". I'm a huge supporter of HRC which helped lift that so all LGBTQ+ military members can live their lives freely. I hope to serve as a constant liaison for our LGBTQ+ youth community not only as a role model, but I always look forward to learning from our youth as well.
I know not everyone has had a successful coming out story but there is a strong "family unit" for everyone in the large and growing community that all of us LGBTQ+ share. My mission statement is "You Are Not Alone". Feel free to contact me or any board member!
I know not everyone has had a successful coming out story but there is a strong "family unit" for everyone in the large and growing community that all of us LGBTQ+ share. My mission statement is "You Are Not Alone". Feel free to contact me or any board member!
Michelle Fienup - Community Liaison
michelle@metroeastprideswi.org
Hi. I just wanted to introduce myself. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I am the youngest of a large Catholic family and even though my oldest brother came out as gay in the early 1990’s, it took me a little longer to speak my truth. It was not until just a couple years ago, after making some significant changes in my life that I finally listened to and heard my truth. It had been buried under a lot of self-doubt and lack of confidence, but it was there; I just finally heard it. I came out as a lesbian to my family and some close friends in 2016 and I came out on Facebook this year on National Coming Out Day. My hope and part of the reason that I am part of this organization is to work together with other members of the LGBTQIA community to promote acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion for everyone. I have been part of this organization for just a brief period of time, but I think with the help of the great communities of Southwestern Illinois, we are capable of great things.
Kahle Marshall - Community Liaison
kahle@metroeastprideswi.org
Photo and Bio coming soon...
Garrett Desherlia - Community Liaison
Photo and Bio coming soon...
Secilia Murillo - Community Liaison
Photo and Bio coming soon...